Washington Huskies Football: Can Marcus Peters be the Defensive MVP in 2014?

For Marcus Peters the 2014 season is one of incredible opportunity. An opportunity to step up and take total control of the Washington secondary and lead it in a fashion that could seriously elevate his draft stock.

As the Seahawks success has shown with the Legion of Boom it is very possible for a cornerback to play at an elite enough level and help carry a defense at the professional level. At the college level it is even more critical to be able to have a shutdown corner that can take away half of the field as teams throw the ball all over the place in today’s college football.

The foundation for a big 2014 season for Peters was laid last season when he had five interceptions. From an advanced stats perspective Peters had 9 pass break-ups and 14 passes defensed. In addition, Peters was not afraid to get in and make tackles with 55 and he can get in the backfield and cause negative plays. In 2013, Peters had 3.5 tackles for loss, and one sack.

Another reason why Peters can have a defensive most valuable player caliber of season is experience that brings to the table. To go along with his experience is the fact the redshirt sophomore Jeramine Kelly is viewed as one of the best young corners in the program.

Thus, if Kelly has a big season that will force opposing quarterbacks to throw at Peters. This would then free up for Peters to make a run at getting over ten pass break-ups ans over 20 passes defensed. It also would give Peters get well over five interceptions this season as well and if he does that the Washington defense will be elevated to a truly elite level.

The opportunity is wide open for Peters to be that Richard Sherman type of leader and if he can increase his consistency this season. Then there would be no reason why he could not be the most valuable player on the Husky defense this season.